Removal of cefalexin using yeast surface-imprinted polymer prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization.

The first use of yeast as a support in the molecular imprinting field combined with atom transfer radical polymerization was described. Then, the as-prepared molecularly imprinted polymers were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. The obtained imprinted polymers demonstrated elliptical-shaped particles with the thickness of imprinting layer of 0.63 μm. The batch mode experiments were adopted to investigate the adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and selectivity. The kinetic properties of imprinted polymers were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, indicating the chemical process was the rate-limiting step for the adsorption of cefalexin (CFX). The equilibrium data were well fitted by the Freundlich isotherm, and the multimolecular layers adsorption capacity of imprinted polymers was 34.07 mg g(-1) at 298 K. The selectivity analysis suggested that the imprinted polymers exhibited excellent selective recognition for CFX in the presence of other compounds with related structure. Finally, the analytical method based on the imprinted polymers extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatograph was successfully used for CFX analysis in spiked pork and water samples.